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HUMAN PEARLS 



HUMAN PEARLS 



BY 

FRANCIS EATON BURNETT, D. D. S. 

Graduate Haskell's, Post Graduate '95. Graduate 

Northwestern University Dental School, '97-'98 

Member Alumni Association Northwestern 

University Dental School. Member 

of the Chicago Odontographic 

Society, and the Illinois 

State Dental Society 




CHICAGO 

R. R. DONNELLEY & SONS CO., Printers 

1908 



Copyrighted 



by 
FRANCIS EATON BURNETT, D. D. S. 

1908 



LIBRARY of CON6S ESS, 
i wo Copies Keceivati 

MAY 201908 



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0Ui5fc*J _XXc. Nu, 



El)e fLaftessttir $rr»a 

R. R. DONNELLEY & SONS COMPANY 
CHICAGO 



PREFACE 



At the age of twenty man may reasonably 
hope to live forty-two years or 367,920 hours. 
Can he profitably invest one of these hours 
to make the remainder more happy and com- 
fortable? This book will answer. 

Francis Eaton Burnett, D.D.S. 

Chicago, 111. 



CONTENTS 



Page 

THE MOUTH IN YOUTH 9 

FABLE OF THE TWO LITTLE FROGGIES . . 29 

STRUCTURE AND PHENOMENA OF THE 

MOUTH 31 

DECAY OF THE TEETH AND DISEASE OF 

THE GUMS 40 

TEMPERAMENT AS PORTRAYED BY THE 

TEETH 57 

FIRST TEETH — PRENATAL INFLUENCE . 66 

GROWTH VERSUS DECAY 7 1 

PERSONAL RELATION OF PATIENT AND 

DENTIST 76 



THE MOUTH IN YOUTH 



Of the many professions of the present day, 
that of the Dentist enjoys the happy distinction 
of being one of the most talked of, indeed, not 
only has he been discussed, but maligned, and 
his errand of mercy has been miscalled cruel 
and painful. 

But, however much criticism has been his, 
he has kept abreast of the requirements of his 
profession, even has he anticipated them, rec- 
ognizing the needs of his patients. 

Apropos of the new century, when many 
new thoughts, theories, and inventions will 
date their beginning, the Dentist comes for- 
ward with a definite knowledge of the preven- 
tive measures necessary to avert the aches and 
pains ascribed to the teeth and the dental 
chair. 

The willingness of mothers, in this day, to 
accept education tending to the care of their 
children's teeth, encourages first a description 
of some very common habits or errors of youth 

9 



THE MOUTH IN YOUTH 

which lead to deformities of the jaw and dis- 
torted facial expression. 

When a child comes into the world, except 
as to its teeth and jaws, it is, anatomically, a 
perfect and complete being, its vital organs are 
formed and their physiological functions 
started for life. This, however, is not true of 
the organs of nutrition in the mouth. The jaw 
has just begun its growth, which continues 
until the last wisdom tooth is erupted, except 
where extraction has taken place, when absorp- 
tion and growth are going on side by side, 
unbalancing the relative position of the teeth. 

The first organ aiding the nutritive process, 
described merely because it is an interesting 
part of the continual change in the mouth, is 
the sucking-pad, a little biscuit-shaped muscle 
in the cheek of the babe. Its physiological 
function of aiding the process of sucking is 
terminated at weaning time, when it is ab- 
sorbed. Few realize, in speaking of some 
chubby-cheeked babe, that they are describing 
this muscle, so soon to pass away. 

So long before the birth of the child is the 
lower jaw formed, that it is difficult to deter- 
mine its earliest condition, and singular as it 



THE MOUTH IN YOUTH 

may appear, this bone, save for one other, is 
the first one of the body to be developed. At 
birth, it is but a crude and primitive outline 
of the jaw that is to be, merely a hollow shell 
containing some partially formed teeth, the 
germs or buds of the future teeth; all imbedded 
in a soft vascular tissue, their nourishing 
membrane. 

The first visual evidence of a tooth is its 
germ assuming the external form of the crown 
or enamelled portion. At the time this forma- 
tion is complete the calcifying process begins, 
and when sufficiently advanced the tooth is 
lifted in the jaw, by growth on the root end, 
and is forced through the surrounding tissue 
(that is the gums), presenting the eruptive 
period so joyously watched for by every true 
mother. 

After the teeth have been formed and need 
support, the nourishing membrane evolves 
itself into a porous bone, not however until the 
roots of the teeth have been surrounded by a 
little covering of soft tissue, cushioning them 
in the new bone and giving to the teeth the 
sense of touch. 

The roots of the teeth are formed subsequent 



THE MOUTH IN YOUTH 

to the eruption of the crown, an interesting 
fact, inasmuch as it suggests that the inflam- 
mation of teething would be reflected to the 
membranes and nerves that are a part of the 
growing roots. The inflammation, incident to 
the eruption of the baby teeth, is so closely 
allied to the ills of babyhood that the physi- 
cian needs assume this care. At the time the 
first teeth are erupting, so vascular and so 
abundant are the soft tissues, that the child 
is intensely susceptible to nervous impressions; 
a great percentage of the mortality among 
children at this period may be properly traced 
to the irritation of teething. The child be- 
comes peevish, the mouth feverish, the mucous 
membrane, which is continuous with that of 
the stomach, is inflamed, nutrition is impaired, 
and the numerous ailments of childhood are 
invited. Fever, nausea, diarrhoea, or convul- 
sions may be present. The physician pre- 
scribes a sedative to reduce inflammation, 
lances or sears the gum, and once again baby 
is cheerful and cooing. 

Remembering the early formation of the 
under jaw, it is not singular that the develop- 
ment of the lower teeth is a little in advance of 



THE MOUTH IN YOUTH 

the upper, indeed almost invariably are they 
first in erupting. The first central incisors 
erupt at from the fifth to the seventh month, 
expanding the jaw by their presence, and being 
assisted in this by the lateral incisors, which 
arrive between the ninth and eleventh months. 
By this time the four upper and four lower 
incisors, having produced all possible width, 
growth begins backward, the first baby molar 
erupting at about the twelfth to the fourteenth 
month, and with it comes consequent increase 
in the length of the jaw. At from the four- 
teenth to the eighteenth month, the eye tooth, 
characteristic of strength and defense, takes its 
position in the corner of the mouth, the watch- 
dog, as it were, of the developing jaw. 

For this reason, perhaps, it has been named 
the canine tooth. Near the twenty-fourth month 
the second molars, the last of the baby teeth to 
take their position, complete the baby mouth. 

During the period between the eruption of 
the teeth, nature is employed in depositing and 
calcifying the bone cells which are required for 
development of the teeth and jaw, also in pro- 
moting the height of the jaw to accommodate 
the growing roots. 

13 



THE MOUTH IN YOUTH 

The period of about four years subsequent 
to the eruption of the baby teeth is not consid- 
ered even by the dentist of much moment, but 
nature is busy absorbing the roots of some of 
the teeth so recently formed, and is leaving 
instead the germs and developing permanent 
teeth. 

By consulting the illustrations which show 
the developing enamel of the permanent teeth 
at ages one and a half, three and a half, and 
five years, it will be apparent these enamel 
organs in their formative stage would be 
impaired by a very serious illness of the child. 
Indeed, the relative effect from disease or 
malnutrition to mark or pit the enamel results 
the same on the permanent teeth as upon the 
baby or first teeth. 

See subject of malnutrition, p. 66. 

At about the sixth year, the permanent teeth 
begin to erupt, in pairs, the lower centrals first, 
the two upper almost immediately, and simul- 
taneously with these, the first permanent 
molars. From the eruption of the first baby 
tooth to the last wisdom tooth, there is constant 
growth of the jaw, until the full complement of 
teeth is in place. Each tooth has its mission 

14 



THE MOUTH IN YOUTH 

to enlarge the jaw, wedging itself into position, 
and supporting some fellow member. The 
front teeth spread the jaw, promoting width, 
while those in back increase its length. Each 
successive pair of teeth widens or lengthens 
the jaw, and when in this direction the baby 
teeth have contributed to their fullest extent 
toward the expansion of the jaw, this process 
of enlargement is repeated by the permanent 
teeth, beginning again at the same point as did 
the baby teeth. The erupting permanent teeth 
are larger than the displaced baby teeth, and 
increase the size of the jaw laterally and in 
length by the difference in their width. 

When the jaw has been moulded, for breadth 
and length, the eye tooth comes forward to 
complete the arch, lending character and 
strength to the face and mouth. The slowness 
of this tooth to erupt has caused it to be 
christened a tusk, and as such it has been 
extracted, a regrettable error recognized in 
later life. 

It is unwise to extract a tooth "to make 
room," when that same tooth is doing its share 
in the proper expansion of the jaw. 

Now a word on Extraction : it is a practice 
15 



THE MOUTH IN YOUTH 

most pernicious, as in the operation, the loca- 
tion of the tooth thus extracted being vacated, 
it provides an opening into which the tooth next 
thereto has a tendency to tumble; as a result, 
the other teeth are deprived of that support 
necessary to insure their growth in normal 
position, and that part of the mouth is invited 
in the direction of an unnatural condition — 
which is prolific of decay. 

The same number of teeth erupt in the upper 
as in the lower half of the mouth. The tongue 
resting in the lower part of the mouth, regu- 
lates the tendency of the lower teeth to lean 
inward, while the upper teeth, closing outside 
thereof, restrict any disposition of the latter 
to protrude. In the normal condition, the up- 
per teeth are sufficiently restrained from ex- 
tending outward by the lips and muscles of 
the face. 

So soft and pliable are the tissues of the 
mouth during the growth of the jaw, and so 
necessary is it that the pressure be directed to 
normal growth, that sucking the thumb, breath- 
ing through the mouth, the too early or too 
late extraction of the baby teeth, the very un- 
timely extraction of a permanent tooth (es- 

16 



p 





I 



*7 



THE MOUTH IN YOUTH 

pecially the sixth year molars), serves only to 
defeat nature in growing a perfectly shaped 
jaw. See illustration page 26. 

// the mothers would manifest the same in- 
terest in the permanent teeth that they do in the 
baby's first teeth, what a blessing would accrue 
to humanity! No parent can ever atone for 
the injury done a child in neglecting the first 
permanent molars, which erupt at about the 
sixth year. Their location, just back of the 
baby molars, causes them to be mistaken by 
the parent for teeth soon to be shed. Decay 
ravages unheeded, until the parent, brought to 
a sudden realization of a serious condition, ap- 
peals to the Dentist. Too often the tooth is 
so decayed that extraction is unavoidable, and 
the first molar gone, the second usurping the 
half absorbed space, occupying it but rudely 
and abnormally, invites early decay, while the 
whole alignment, the normal horizontal plane 
of the teeth is lost, the jaw is shortened and 
crooked, and the most prominent of the grind- 
ers gone. This error found in the mouth is 
so apparent it seems to have been appreciated 
by the earliest of writers. The following was 
written thirty-seven years ago : 
*9 



THE MOUTH IN YOUTH 

"It must be remembered that eruption of 
the second teeth begins while the first set is 
yet in the mouth, and because of its importance 
we repeat that between the fifth and sixth 
years the first permanent molars, four in num- 
ber, — one on each side of the upper and 
lower jaws, — make their appearance; these 
teeth are supposed by the parents to belong to 
the first set; and so, if, as very frequently 
occurs, they decay shortly after their eruption, 
no attention is paid to them, because it is 
thought that they will soon have to make room 
for their successors, and before the error is 
discovered the mischief is irreparable." While 
the change so disastrous to the grinding 
surfaces of the teeth is most marked by the 
extraction of the first permanent molar, still 
a similar condition will be caused by the re- 
moval of any tooth, if done before the jaw has 
attained full growth. 

It is to be borne in mind that, after the first 
appearance of a tooth through the gum, it re- 
quires four years to complete the growth upon 
the root. In the first year the root portion on 
the inside is hollowed out or funnel-shaped, 
while the deposits of bone cells each month 

20 



THE MOUTH IN YOUTH 

gradually constrict this flaring opening until 
the root has a conical point. The watchful 
parent will see that the youth's mouth is kept 
in a normal condition, that the roots may com- 
plete their growth and the teeth be enabled to 
live their life as useful members. 

But in passing from these serious stages of 
the youth's mouth, it is gratifying to know 
that the whole responsibility of the parent 
comes at such regular intervals, and the pro- 
tecting measures are so minor if taken in time, 
— that it must be observed the care is really 
nothing. 

The parent may thank nature that in very 
early youth they are responsible only for the 
decay that takes place in the pits and grooves 
of the teeth, and that a greater ravage of decay, 
which takes place at the gum line, comes at a 
time when the child will have learned the 
virtue of the tooth-brush to prevent this in- 
vasion. 

Particular attention is called to malforma- 
tions of the mouth and jaw and the numerous 
causes leading thereto. We have seen that con- 
stant pressure is the prevailing condition in the 
development of the jaw, and any limitation 



THE MOUTH IN YOUTH 

thereof disturbs the harmony of growth in the 
mouth. 

Neglect to use the nasal passages for breath- 
ing causes them to become constricted, and the 
roof of the mouth, assuming this new role, 
enlarges, terminating in a deformity as a result 
of which the face is very unlike what it would 
have been had the proper remedy been applied 
in time. Many growths that obstruct the 
nasal passages and the rear vault of the mouth 
are but inflammatory enlargements, as the 
glandular enlargement of the tonsils, or the 
thickening of the mucous membrance of the 
nose into a gelatinous polypus. The removal 
of these formations by the physician is but 
a simple operation, whereby the patient avoids 
a lifelong care and a constricted pinched ap- 
pearance about the nose. Any difficulty 
encountered in breathing through the nose 
should be immediately investigated by the 
physician or specialist. The position in which 
the tongue is forced or held to aid breathing 
through the mouth will, in time, cause the 
upper front teeth to protrude. 

The sucking of the thumb will change the 
relative position of the teeth so that this 

22 



THE MOUTH IN YOUTH 

seemingly simple habit results in a deformed 
mouth for life. One single tooth displaced 
may cause the entire side of the face to move 
from the normal position, and all teeth to 
erupt later will follow the fault thus established. 
But this is not all the evil. The normal oc- 
clusion or closing of the teeth is lost, and ag- 
gravated by their ill-use, the result of their 
unnatural position, they are going to their 
doom, to be toppled or crowded off the ridge 
of the jaw, or to be quickly decayed by condi- 
tions which come of their non-use. 

Probably the greatest number of facial de- 
formities find their origin with the teeth; rapid 
decay, delayed eruption, extraction of, or acci- 
dents to the teeth, are some of the many causes 
to which we may trace most of the deformed 
faces we see to-day. Congenital causes and 
others requiring too detailed a description 
might be given; suffice it to say, that nearly 
all come within the possibility of correction. 
The protruding lower jaw and the peaked 
upper are only magnified conditions of some 
very slight fault of early years; some favored 
tendency that prevented the true development 
of the teeth, tongue, lips, or jaw. 
23 



THE MOUTH IN YOUTH 

Nature is kind and needs only be recognized 
in error when it accepts willingly the slightest 
help. A beautiful face may grow displeasing 
or to entirely lose all family resemblance by 
the neglect of teeth in childhood. 

Note. — Those interested in the prenatal conditions 
which affect the teeth, see p. 66. 



24 






26 



THE MOUTH IN YOUTH 

The casts on the accompanying page illus- 
trate the same mouth in three aspects. 

The first shows the untimely loss of the 
lower first permanent molar, with the second 
molar tipping forward rudely occupying the 
space, while the wisdom tooth leans to the 
fault thus established. 

In the second illustration instead of a nor- 
mal horizontal plane (see third picture) the 
jaw is crooked, creating an incline down which 
the upper teeth must slide (a simple law of 
physics) pushing the front teeth forward until 
they protrude from the mouth. 

Realizing that the upper front teeth bid fair 
to move forward at least the width of one 
tooth, the upper first bicuspid was extracted, 
thus relieving the pressure from the rear; with 
the result that the pressure of the lip on this 
young mouth retracted the teeth some, while 
the further growth and development brought 
about the condition as in first illustration. 

The second picture exhibits the mouth as it 
would have been had not this first bicuspid 
been extracted, while the last one illustrates 
what nature intended the mouth to be, had the 
teeth and jaw come to their normal maturity. 
27 



FABLE OF THE TWO LITTLE 
FROGGIES 



In the large jar, placed in the cool water of 
the spring, the milk and cream were kept. 
One day two little froggies came > hopping 
along and carelessly leaped into a jar of cream. 

Now, these little froggies did not know 
what they had gotten into, and one was brave 
while the other was frightened. The fright- 
ened and lazy one said, "We shall die in 
here," but the other said, cheerfully, "Let us 
try to get out, let us see what we can do by try- 
ing." But the lazy froggie would not try, 
so he quit paddling, sank to the bottom, and 
died. 

Now, the willing little froggie began paddling 
to find his way out, and he swam around and 
around the jar of cream. As he paddled harder 
and harder, he made the cream foam by his 
little paddles moving so fast. Bye and bye, 
when he was very tired, he came upon a little 
lump floating about him, and he rested one 
29 



FABLE OF TWO LITTLE FROGGIES 

of his little paddles upon it; soon he found 
another and he rested two paddles, then he 
started again trying harder than before — 
when, lo, he found many little lumps, and 
swimming about he made them all together in 
one big cake, which he climed upon to rest. 
When he was rested he gave one big leap out 
upon the grass. 

Can you guess what the little froggie did by 
trying so hard ? — he had stirred a cake of butter 
out of the cream by his lively efforts, swim- 
ming and kicking his little paddles so fast. 
Can we not do great things by trying? Re- 
member the little froggie, and try hard. Is it 
not better to try and care for your teeth so 
they will not decay and the nerves die ? 

Remember, little girl or boy who cries with 
the toothache, would it not be better to keep 
your teeth clean so they will not ache? 



30 



STRUCTURE AND PHENOM- 
ENA OF THE MOUTH 



The teeth of one mouth contain a yard of nerves 
and have an enamel surface of from twenty to 
thirty square inchest 

While it is interesting to note the successive 
changes in the mouth of the youth, still that of 
the adult is not without interest. The per- 
manent teeth, unlike any other organs, are not 
born with us, but have come into our lives 
after all other parts are formed. 

Like the mighty oaks, which from tiny 
acorns grow, the permanent teeth have their 
beginning in little buds, put off from the baby 
teeth, and seem to say, "I came to life in your 
day, that I may participate in your habits." 
But, while they are so strong, they have their 
weakness, which we have but to protect to 
maintain their integrity through life. 

Indeed, anatomical weak spots are not un- 
common in nature, and to know them is to 
31 



STRUCTURE OF THE MOUTH 

protect them. On the lips the junction line 
of the mucous membrane and the skin, is an 
anatomical weak spot, in that the veins, arteries, 
and nerves do not cross. An illustration would 
be the crest of the Rocky Mountain divide, 
where the waters run toward the Pacific and 
the Mississippi. Another weak spot is the 
tonsils, the lower part of which receives its 
nourishment from the region of the thorax 
and chest, while the top part is nourished by 
vessels from the cranium; thus an imaginary 
line in the center is a negative zone, and the 
rapid advancement of a malady may occur. 

It is the purpose to recognize quickly the 
first danger signal, and act before more tissue 
is included in this negative zone. The signal 
is nature's method of inviting attention to an 
impending danger. 

Recognizing a virtue as coming from such 
signals, man has adopted these structural 
weak spots; as in electric wiring, where an 
overheated wire would ignite a building, but 
for which, a weak spot in a metal fuse box 
burns out and cuts off the current. 

From the weak spot in a tooth comes nature's 
alarm signal, and singular, too, it is from 
32 



STRUCTURE OF THE MOUTH 

behind the strongest and hardest tissue known 
in the animal kingdom — the enamel. 

So hard is this enamel it will quickly dull 
steel instruments; it is harder than the ivory 
of an elephant's tusk, or even the tooth of a 
rhinoceros. The enamel is thickest on the 
grinding surface, and thinnest at the gum line, 
and covers all the crown of the tooth and just 
a little portion under the gums, where the root 
begins. It is illustrated by putting a thimble 
over the finger. 

The junction line of the finger and the 
thimble illustrates the anatomical weak spot 
in the tooth, and is the very place whence the 
signal of distress comes. The line of cement 
which attaches this enamel to the dentine, — 
if cement substance it may be called, — when 
magnified 2,000 times, does not exhibit any 
structure; yet by some mysterious force it 
is capable of giving signals, even prolonged 
ones of severe pain. 

Thus, the first thought suggested is the pene- 
tration of a substance under the enamel that 
will dissolve this contact point, also that signals 
warn you it is to take place. This very inter- 
esting cement line is like the wireless telegraph, 

33 



STRUCTURE OF THE MOUTH 

in that all these little impulses of pain are 
communicated through the bone of the tooth 
to the pulp or nerve. Very interesting when 
understood, the shocks do not travel over wires 
or nerves to the center of the tooth, where lies 
the pulp or nerve, but go directly through the 
bone. All of the pain experienced while having 
a cavity prepared for a filling comes from this 
little sensitive line under the enamel. 

If lightning should strike a wireless tele- 
graph station, its sensitive instruments would 
be shocked — burned out — and if these dan- 
ger signals from under the enamel be too con- 
tinued, or too severe, the nerve or pulp which 
is some distance away is gradually congested 
by the irritation, which retards the venous cir- 
culation. 

The dentine, which is very like bone, repre- 
sents the shape of the tooth, including root, 
except for the portion covered by the enamel. 
Though it is the shape of the tooth, it is not 
solid, but is hollowed out in the center to re- 
ceive the pulp, commonly called the nerve, the 
much dreaded nerve. 

The pulp is a miniature in form of the 
shape of a tooth; that portion in the crown 

34 



STRUCTURE OF THE MOUTH 

surface having a bulbous head, with little 
horns, while the portion in the root gradually 
tapers till it is a mere thread where it leaves 
the tooth. Through this very small opening 
at the apex of the root, veins, arteries, and 
nerves come and go, and because this opening 
is so small a slight congestion will entirely close 
it. 

The second thought suggested is that decay, 
when once established under the enamel, 
will travel in the line of least resistance, 
which would be through the dentine, and the 
nerve or pulp would soon be reached. The 
removal of all of the dentine softened by decay 
frequently uncovers some portion of the pulp; 
but this, however, is a fortunate circumstance, 
as the pulp would surely have died had the 
decay remained there and the poison have 
been absorbed by the pulp. 

The pulp occupies the center of the tooth, 
as does the wick in a candle, except that the 
wick runs entirely through the candle, and the 
nerve runs out only through the root end. 
Since the pulp is composed of vascular tissue, 
it is implied that in a tooth an artery terminates 
and a vein begins, accompanied by a bundle of 
35 



STRUCTURE OF THE MOUTH 

nerves to promote action. Since then a tooth 
receives arterial blood and discharges venous 
blood, if the latter stagnates while the former 
is still crowding in, a clot will be formed, and 
the whole pulp dies en masse by strangulation 
from its own blood supply. 

This is exactly what does occur from the 
irritation of the prolonged danger signals or 
from the penetration of decay through the 
dentine. 

If two electric wires lying near one another 
should get a drop of water on them, the cur- 
rent might transfer from one to the other; 
likewise the inflammation, extending or back- 
ing up on a nerve fibre, may be reflected to 
the nerves of the eye or ear, while the pains 
in the side of the face are frequently mistaken 
for those of neuralgia. 

Whether the pulp dies by shock or by pre- 
meditation it should be removed, and the 
canal thus vacated filled; by so doing this 
space would not be occupied by gases, or the 
canal be a means of communicating infection 
to the jaw-bone. 

The jaw must not be considered as a solid 
bone, for in fact it is as porous as a sponge, 
36 



STRUCTURE OF THE MOUTH 

except the outer surface, which is vitreous and 
hard. Any tooth infection which is permitted 
to reach the porous parts, which could be 
through an open pulp canal, will certainly 
and easily dissolve away the porous bone and 
leave the tooth unsupported. 

This is what is termed an ulcerated tooth. 

Because of the recesses in and a part of the 
many bones of the middle third of the face to 
which infection may communicate, the per- 
centage of deaths from this cause is greater 
with neglect of the upper than the lower teeth. 

Running through the porous part of the jaw 
in a canal for that purpose are the veins, 
arteries, and nerves, which send off little 
branches to the various teeth. When the pulp 
in a tooth is killed, these branches shrivel up 
till they reach the main trunk. 

The gum, the last tissue of the mouth to be 
described, is the least appreciated or under- 
stood, notwithstanding no other tissue has a 
more important mission to perform. In 
health the gum may be called the protecting 
agent of the mouth, it finds its way into the 
tooth socket to protect the root, it fills the 
spaces between the teeth to keep food debris 

37 



STRUCTURE OF THE MOUTH 

out, and, most important of all, it is grown 
fast to the tooth to cover and protect that 
anatomical weak spot where the enamel 
ceases and the root begins. After having 
become attached to the tooth at the gum line, 
this membrane, which is called the peridental 
membrane, spreads itself over the whole root, 
so that the tooth has a capsule of tissue cushion- 
ing and holding it in the jaw-bone. 

This membrane is so strong, and is grown 
so fast to the tooth and the jaw alike, it requires 
much effort to extract a tooth from it. Realiz- 
ing that a membrane does exist between the 
root and jaw, it is evident how important is its 
mission to keep the fine food debris from 
seeping into this forbidden territory. But 
not satisfied, the gum encircles the teeth, filling 
every recess — that the decaying food debris 
will not loiter, but will be pushed out upon 
the enamel, where there is a smooth surface — 
and which nature has provided will care for 
itself. 

If, as stated, the root is covered with a capsule 
of tissue, it is obvious that the nerves, arteries, 
and veins in leaving the tooth must have pene- 
trated or passed through it, and since in the 

38 



STRUCTURE OF THE MOUTH 

presence of dead matter the hole would not heal 
or close up, and because putrefaction and 
ulceration follow in the wake of dead pulps, 
it would be easy to communicate through 
this newly-made hole to the porous portion 
of the jaw-bone, infect it, or at least seriously 
irritate the peridental membrane. Indeed, 
the early removal of a dead nerve permits this 
membrane to grow over and seal up the end 
of the root. 

A tooth not treated after the death of its 
pulp, or permitted to ulcerate, will naturally 
be a weak tooth, and as a chain breaks at its 
weakest link, this uncared for tooth reflects 
the physical condition of the patient and a cold 
often settles about it. This is particularly 
evidenced in the bathing season; when shiver- 
ing in the cold water, the tissues become con- 
gested about an affected tooth. 

It is finally apparent the teeth have two 
sets of nerves: the pulp of the tooth, being 
affected by decay, and the nerves of the peri- 
dental membrane, which are affected by the 
sting and poison absorbed from dead matter 
permitted to accumulate at the gum line and 
at the apex of the root. 

39 



DECAY OF THE TEETH AND 
DISEASE OF THE GUMS 



It is said the great Edison could revolu- 
tionize the motive power of the world if he 
could find a battery box whose walls would 
withstand the influence of the chemicals con- 
tained therein. Realizing the power of these 
chemicals to dissolve the retaining walls, one 
might wonder how the stomach could with- 
stand the disintegration of the food stuff by 
the chemical process; indeed, the constant 
movement of the stomach walls, and the pre- 
sence of quantities of water to dilute and wash 
the parts, protect this organ. Because man 
has permitted his mouth to be included in this 
chemical laboratory, this cavity must partici- 
pate in the wasting of its walls. 

This, however, is not such a serious condi- 
tion, for if the mouth be clean and healthy, the 
saliva will dilute and keep moving the food 
particles, which, instead of fermenting in the 
mouth, will be floated in the current of saliva 
to the stomach. 

40 



DECAY OF THE TEETH 



In the olden time the grinding and crunch- 
ing of the coarser grains and hard breadstuffs 
brought about a cleansing effect to the teeth, 
while to-day a great portion of the food re- 
quires no chewing. Of the food stuff of to-day, 
much is so seasoned and surcharged with a 
chemical nature that the immediate cleansing 
of the mouth after eating is necessary to avoid 
fermentation in and about the teeth and gums. 

With no disposition to challenge technical 
criticism, we venture the suggestion that the 
retrogressive condition of the mouth is asso- 
ciated with intellectual growth. In the higher 
education of the man of to-day we see exem- 
plified the growth of the mental man, whereas 
the life of our ancestors represents the physical 
growth. As the mental area is nourished, cor- 
respondingly is the physical neglected. 

The jaw is but the connecting link between 
the mental and physical man, and in the meas- 
ure and nature of the demand made upon it 
so will that jaw evolve. 

Indeed, we have to-day, in the mouth, the 
living proof of this evolution, in that the jaw 
is shortening and the wisdom teeth are fre- 
quently missing, and when present are often 
41 



DECAY OF THE TEETH 



of but very irregular type and crowded out of 
place. 

In order to secure the true form of the jaws 
they must be given their proper use; the crush- 
ing of hard foods is the true exercise and is also 
essential in maintaining the physiological con- 
dition of the gum tissue and muscles of mas- 
tication. 

The crunching of pop corn, toast, and dry 
bread is beneficial to the teeth and gums, 
w^hile the dry nature of the food requires saliva 
to moisten the bolus before the act of swal- 
lowing is possible. 

Compare the plain and coarse diet of the 
aborigines with the cakes, creams, puddings, 
and prepared foods of to-day requiring no 
mastication; need we ask if nature will main- 
tain in the jaw and teeth of the present age 
the powerful grinders they were formerly? 

Since the thought of the smell and the taste 
of appetizing foods has such an influence over 
the sub-conscious brain as to, by reflex nerve 
action, send a limited supply of saliva to the 
mouth, is it not proper to believe that the nor- 
mal and necessary flow will be deposited by the 
actual presence and active mastication of food ? 
42 



DECAY OF THE TEETH 



From one to three pints of saliva per day are 
necessary for digestion. How will the glands 
be excited to flow without nerve impulses 
originating in the proper use of the teeth? 

From early youth we have to do with decay 
of the teeth and disease of the gums, — both 
easily prevented, as we shall show, as they are 
but a condition of uncleanliness. 

Nature forms the teeth with curves, planes, 
and crests, and locates them in such position 
relative to each other that the passage of food 
over the various surfaces, together with the 
movement of the tongue, lips, and cheeks, pro- 
duces a natural condition of cleanliness. This 
condition is modified in proportion to abuses, 
habits, faults from youth, and the influence of 
modern diet. 

It may not be generally known that decay is 
ever repeating itself in exact and certain parts 
of each tooth; it does not happen miscellane- 
ously over the tooth's surface. The enamel is 
so hard that decay cannot penetrate it in a day 
or a week. With this knowledge of the places 
liable to decay and the time necessary to pene- 
trate the armor (enamel) of the tooth, the den- 
tist of the future will have as his mission to 

43 



DECAY OF THE TEETH 



prevent the dissolution of the tooth substance 
by the decay germ. His object will be to 
check the colonization of the decay germs at 
the favorable places they seek to locate; these 
are the deep fissures or pits in the teeth and the 
spaces between the teeth and at the gum mar- 
gin. In the pits and fissures the enamel is so 
thin and so given to faults, it is the purpose to 
carve away this weak structure and place in- 
stead a non-destructible filling material. In a 
canyon or ravine the soft silt-like accumulations 
seek out the deep crevices, and in the little 
pits of the teeth, decaying food debris will 
do the same, but providing an impenetrable 
substance to occupy the bottom of the pits and 
fissures prevents the decay from invading the 
tooth structure. 

Thus there is a happy thought in preventing 
the loss of a tooth by caring for these cavities 
when small. 

A far more disastrous type of decay is found 
at the gum line, as has been hinted, as that 
which creeps under the enamel to occupy the 
anatomical weak spot. 

Normally the space between the teeth is 
filled with gum tissue, supported by a little 

44 



DECAY OF THE TEETH 



spine of bone arising from the jaw. From 
prodding with a toothpick or from the sting 
and poison of debris, this little spine recedes, 
the gum follows, leaves the enamel where 
thinnest also the root exposed, and the space 
between the teeth open for the lodgment of 
foreign matter. Of all decay the most destruc- 
tive is found at the gum margin, particularly 
because it is, as a rule, permitted to ravage 
unnoticed. Dividing a tooth into imaginary 
quarters at the gum line, there will be four 
places whence decay may begin, but since this 
is but a fancied line, it is obvious that decay 
from these places would soon connect and 
advance in a circle around the tooth. 

It is good and kind in nature to have the gums 
lap upon and protect this weak line, indeed the 
younger the person the greater the lap, so that 
no decay appears until some years after early 
youth, when it may be said deliberate neglect 
has permitted this protecting membrane to be- 
come so stung, flabby, and bleeding it cannot 
help as nature intended. 

Thus the second and last type of decay is 
incident to the departing gums. 

An illustration in figures portrays the 
45 



DECAY OF THE TEETH 



worst condition of decay. Quoting from an 
author upon a method of filling the teeth, the 
following is significant in that it suggests the 
number of cavities possible in one mouth: 

"In a set of thirty-two teeth this system may 
be conservatively used in eighty-one distinct 
cavities, not counting approximal cavities." 
— and now adding sixty for the approximal 
cavities, we have one hundred and forty-one 
places from which decay begins. Indeed, the 
different locations are about two hundred 
all told, whence decay may start in a full 
complement of teeth. 

Where extreme neglect exists, decay may be 
ravaging from nearly all of the two hundred 
points of vantage. The meeting of decay 
started from different points causes a sudden 
break-down of the tooth, which is such a sur- 
prise to the individual. Much then of this 
decay exists by man ; s invitation, as for in- 
stance at the gum line, since this when 
healthy will protect the teeth where the 
enamel is the weakest. 

But however desirable it might be to pre- 
vent a large proportion of the cavities likely 
to be in the mouth, it is difficult to state whether 
4 6 



DECAY OF THE TEETH 



the preventive measures which might be 
adopted would not bring a greater good to 
the gum tissue than to these threatened teeth. 

As has been stated, the gum tissue is grown 
fast to the teeth, and the first particle of foreign 
matter that seeks a place under the free margin 
of the gum, and remains sufficiently long to 
destroy the natural contact, is the forerunner 
of a disease to which reference will be made 
later. Once this contact point is broken, the 
fine food debris finds its way between the root 
and the jaw-bone, while the capsule of gum 
tissue — normally there to protect this space — 
now moves back to get away from the ever 
present poison. 

In referring to the space between the teeth 
being occupied with gum tissue, only a hint 
was given of a greater truth, in that the little 
spine of bone arising from the jaw to support 
the gum, retreats also from the infiltrated 
poison; thus little pockets or depressions in 
the gums are formed, which are increased by 
food stuff crowding in, and now pain follows 
from an attempted swelling down in the socket 
where there is no room for it to take place. 

In health this membrane around the root 

47 



DECAY OF THE TEETH 



gives the tooth the sense of touch, but in 
disease this sense of touch is changed to a sense 
of pain. 

If the gum becomes inflamed and swelling 
takes place, the tooth or teeth are raised in 
their sockets until higher than the others, when 
they receive all the concussion upon closing the 
jaws. 

Cure when in its first stage is very possible, 
and is included in that same cleansing process 
that prevents decay, but without the help of 
the dentist, the flabby, loosened, bleeding con- 
dition of the gum goes on. The continued 
pain is but evidence of the sting and inflamma- 
tion resulting from the chemical action of acids 
and alkaloids, the deposits from savory dishes, 
palatable drinks, medicines, and what not. 
The deposits on the teeth are as equally dan- 
gerous to the gums as is the decay to the teeth, 
and their removal insures the return of the 
plump, hardy condition of the former. 

Just here a passing tribute may be paid the 
saliva. The first virtue of this limpid liquid 
stuff (three pints of which are deposited per 
day) is to dilute, dissolve, and to keep moving 
the food debris, but it cannot loosen the glue- 



DECAY OF THE TEETH 



like substance that becomes fastened to and 
about the teeth. 

Almost the entire care of the mouth, if begun 
early enough and carefully observed, will come 
under the head of cleaning. 

Those who have had that terrible trouble of 
the gums known as pyorrhea, or Riggs disease, 
would gladly have had this protection and 
prevention. Pyorrhea is a disease resulting 
from the deposit of a lime-like substance from 
the saliva upon the teeth, underneath the gum. 
The inflamed gums recede from the ever 
present poison, which the lime absorbs, while 
the deposits become deeper and larger, until 
the tooth may be lifted from the socket. The 
early stages are characterized by bleeding 
gums and looseness of the teeth, which may 
become loose enough to drop out unaided. 
Indeed, the most beautiful teeth ever admired 
may be thus afflicted, and may come out, as 
patients frequently describe, — " without ap- 
parent cause." 

But with the care of the mouth there is a 
reward usually in later life. If earlier condi- 
tions were made favorable, the mouth enters 
a tranquil period when immunity from decay 

49 



DECAY OF THE TEETH 



seems to exist. Why, it is hard to state, — 
though decay may have run out, — but while 
it does exist, it communicates from tooth to 
tooth and removing it from these places may 
remove it from the mouth. 

Indeed, much decay is much trouble; intel- 
ligent care is no trouble. 

If the individual cannot devote much time 
to the care of the teeth, let him at least occupy 
ten minutes once a week in a general cleansing 
of the mouth. 

Wash and scrub, see-saw the silk ligature 
between the teeth, scrape the tongue, rinse, 
wash, and scrub again, and the result will be 
the removal from the spaces between and about 
the teeth, and partially under the gums, of meat 
fibers and food debris, all decaying and lending 
their influence to the mouth. 

In doing this the individual will have but 
taken ten minutes of the time which would 
have been given the dentist for the cavity just 
averted. This is recommended as an occa- 
sional cleansing, like a full bath which is as 
healthful to the mouth as to the skin. 

But as the face and hands need more fre- 
quent washing, let the teeth be rinsed or 
50 



DECAY OF THE TEETH 



brushed a minute. If, as the result of the 
thorough weekly cleansing, the spaces are not 
lodged full of debris, the mouth may be rinsed 
with an oxygen-bearing solution, which now 
being able to get into all the spaces, the lighter 
and smaller debris will be boiled out or oxi- 
dized (burned up). Any of the favorite 
methods of using powders, pastes, and liquid 
cleansers are recommended, and may occasion- 
ally be supplanted by strong salt water or soda 
in water. 

The whole theme is to cleanse the mouth, 
permitting no lurking deposits to become more 
than a day old, for if allowed to remain longer 
they will become putrid. 

If, as between a silk thread and the tooth- 
brush, one must be dispensed with, let it be the 
brush. In the hands of most people, it has 
served admirably to brush food debris into, 
instead of out of, the space between the teeth. 
The brushing should end with a perpendicular 
stroke to cleanse between the teeth as well as 
the brush will do it. Silk floss used with a 
see-saw motion between the teeth at intervals 
of twice a week (the oftener the better), will 
serve to keep these parts free of foreign matter, 
5 1 



DECAY OF THE TEETH 



in which the decay germ finds its habitat. 
Just before retiring, the mouth should be thor- 
oughly cleansed, as at night the most morbid 
condition exists. During protracted illness, 
the trained nurse cleansing the mouth fre- 
quently, to prevent a fetid and uncomfortable 
condition, does incalculable good for the teeth 
and gums. 

Most diseases have their entrance to the body 
through the mouth, — indeed, it is an estab- 
lished fact, that if before surgical operations 
requiring prolonged anesthesia the mouth be 
sterilized and cleaned, fewer cases of surgical 
fever and pneumonia develop as an aftermath 
to the operation. 

It simply establishes the truth of germ life 
in the mouth (of which 150 kinds are known to 
exist), and if in decayed teeth and in the general 
soil of the mouth these disease germs live in 
countless millions, it is assured they are ready 
to invade the whole system at any time the 
physical resistance is below normal. 

Of this germ life it is said 10,000 can get 
within the single spot made by the touch of a 
pencil point. The few germs that are prima- 
rily in a clean mouth are harmless to produce 

52 



DECAY OF THE TEETH 



untoward results if robbed of their power to 
multiply. It -is the numerical increase and the 
poisons absorbed that precipitates the disease 
from the bacteria. 

How much better, then, would it be were the 
mouth sterile and clean, instead of a hotbed 
or incubator of infection and decay. 

The mouth is the beginning of the alimentary 
canal, thirty feet in length. Saliva that has 
bathed and lurked about a diseased mouth is 
soon to moisten a bolus of food, for its long 
journey of — good(?) Is it not suggestive? 

However industriously one may cleanse the 
mouth there will be required, periodically, the 
careful technique of the Dentist. Those who 
would preserve their teeth through life should 
give twelve pleasantly spent hours each year 
to him. 

Since the theme is prevention, monthly ap- 
pointments should be made, though it is prob- 
able that cleansing once in two months would 
suffice to prevent decay. To avert decay and 
inflammation in the mouth very painless work 
would be performed which would require fewer 
hours than are necessary to eradicate a disease 
established. By gentle manipulation, with keen 

53 



DECAY OF THE TEETH 



and very special instruments for this particular 
work, the teeth are cleansed and deposits 
removed from under the gums, while pleas- 
antly disguised medicines invigorate and refresh 
the gums and mouth. This, with the personal 
care of the teeth as described, will exempt one 
from the painful operations of to-day and the 
dreaded thoughts of the dental chair. 

To one who is skeptical and wishes positive 
evidence to encourage a belief in preventive 
measures, five facts are submitted: 

First. The glazed surface of the enamel, when 
clean, is not conducive to the lodgment of foreign 
matter. 

Second. Maintaining a healthy condition of 
the gum tissue protects the teeth where decay is 
most destructive. 

Third. The gum tissue will not lie next to for- 
eign matter; it recedes therefrom, leaving the 
root unprotected. 

Fourth. Where the tongue or cheeks rub clean 
a part of the teeth no decay occurs, therefore to 
provide equal protection for other locations, arti- 
ficial means must be employed. 

Fifth. By taking ordinary precaution, you are 
avoiding the graver conditions which come to 
those who continuously neglect the mouth. 

Those who are disappointed in their efforts to 
care for the mouth are encouraged to try again. 

54 



DECAY OF THE TEETH 



The mouth should be sterile and clean — if 
need be, supplant some constantly inflamed 
tooth with a modern appliance. Have all the 
diseased roots extracted, " catch up," as it 
were, with a healthy condition, then maintain 
it by thorough cleansing. 

If a tooth be extracted, the opposing one on 
the opposite jaw, having no antagonist, im- 
mediately begins to emerge from its socket, 
because of the lack of a tooth to hit against. 
Also, the extraction of a tooth relieves the pres- 
sure existing between the teeth, and one gone 
the rest will lean and tilt in a new position, 
likely to result in spaces between the teeth 
that will be found prolific as food accumulators. 

This takes one forcibly back to the loss of the 
first permanent molar. 

But there is a tooth that may be extracted. 
The excessive pain accompanying the eruption 
of the wisdom tooth is caused by the effort of 
this tooth to crowd itself into too small a space. 
The vestibule of the mouth (that portion 
between the teeth and the cheeks) is frequently 
so small in the vicinity of these last teeth, that 
the removal of the wisdom tooth often serves 
to make the mouth more spacious and self- 
55 



DECAY OF THE TEETH 



cleansing in these parts, and saves the next 
teeth from the contaminating influence of a 
decaying wisdom tooth. 

The intent of this book is not to alarm; in- 
deed, it can educate, do much good, prevent 
hours of agony, keep normal and beautiful 
many faces, and give a greater degree of 
health if one will but follow it. 

So beautiful and wonderful are the vital phe- 
nomena of life, and so dependent is life on each 
of these forces, that there can be no question of 
the wisdom of maintaining the integrity of the 
most important one — nutrition. 

Health is the maintenance of the whole 
physiological process of man. 

In conclusion, these are the pictures. At 
fifty, or less, shall one be toothless, with cheeks 
emaciated and sunken, a sallow complexion, 
jaws absorbed to a mere vestige; or shall one 
possess a full set of well-worn teeth, with face 
ruddy and bright, the whole being full of the 
snap and vigor that comes of the consciousness 
that one is in control of all his forces ? 

Shall it be prevention, or shall one wait until 
nerves die, until abscesses and kindred troubles 
drive him to the Dentist? 

56 



TEMPERAMENT AS POR- 
TRAYED BY THE TEETH 



Temperament is that state of body and mind 
as influenced by constitutional conditions. It 
then is constitutional, depending upon such 
influences as arise from predominating physical 
conditions. These physical conditions in man 
are divided in four elementary parts, viz. : 

Sanguineous. Nervous. Bilious. Lymphatic. 

Circulation. Mental. Motive. Nutrition. 

Heart and Lungs. Brain and Nerves. Muscular. Stomach and Liver. 

The four functional parts of man's physical 
being represent his life's activity, and as his 
internal fires burn constantly, and some one 
part finds itself more highly ordained, its 
activity influences the whole physical economy. 
These influences perforce acting upon the 
stature, mind, action, and influencing the 
character, do immediately classify man as 
belonging to one of the temperaments: 

Sanguineous. Nervous. Bilious. Lymphatic. 

The ancients were the first to give considera- 

57 



TEMPERAMENT AS SHOWN BY TEETH 

tion to this human machine; it was from them 
that the idea came that man's temperament 
resulted from the activity of his vital parts. 
For twenty-five hundred years the tempera- 
ment of man has been described. Hippocrates 
writes of it as depending on the four primary 
components of the human body. He first 
observed the differences of bodily actions and 
functional activity which distinguished in- 
dividuals, and thus the four temperaments 
founded on constitutional conditions were 
recognized and described by him. There has 
been no material change in the classification 
from the time of the ancients. 

In a recent article from a London paper, 
reference was made to la-grippe in epidemic 
form. It was described as attacking man in 
four different ways, and these were none other 
than the physical conditions described in the 
four temperaments. In this we discover that 
the activity of the four parts exhibits itself in 
disease as in health. 

An apt illustration of the outgrowth of tem- 
perament from a physical activity, is in the 
following: 

By using only the physical properties of a 
58 



TEMPERAMENT AS SHOWN BY TEETH 

piece of steel if it be bent while cold it will 
break, if it be heated to a red heat it can be 
bent or twisted, if heated and cooled quickly 
it will be tempered; thus the active physical 
properties give the temperament. 

These exhibits of the inherent properties are 
but the natural physical attributes, and suggest 
the influences that affect their activity. 

If the nervous system in one person or the 
muscular system in another shall dominate 
the individual, or if a higher functional activity 
be found in the heart and lungs of a third, and 
in the liver and organs of nutrition of the fourth, 
with these extreme differences of vital energy 
in each, can we expect to find the same stature, 
the same power of endurance, the same actions, 
and the same intellect ? 

Think of the wonderful construction of man 
with all the parts so correlated, depending on 
and assisting one another. Think also how 
nature has built man's bony framework, and 
placed within the wonderful and powerful 
machinery, the internal organs, and clothed all 
in a coat with the muscle striations so inter- 
laced as to be capable of using the power gener- 
ated within, and a part of this as above all 

59 



TEMPERAMENT AS SHOWN BY TEETH 

else, the cranium, which is the judgment seat 
for the intelligent direction of this wonderful 
unit of life. For indeed it is a unit — the har- 
mony of every part working in such a unison 
that we do not think seriously enough, per- 
haps, of any single part. 

But it is the perfection of each single part 
that makes a perfect being in which is beauty 
of form as well as physical working. Each 
muscle lies nestled away and interlaced with 
its associate, so that their combined action may 
effect a movement of graceful lines and yet 
not sacrifice its motive power. Every artery 
graduating down to the size of a hair yet 
maintains an equal total blood pressure 
throughout its length, a condition absolutely 
foreign to all physics, and yet true, because of 
the rhythmical pressure from each one-thou- 
sandth part of an inch of the vessel wall. 

It is nature's purpose to build all things to 
have an eternal fitness to its demands and 
uses. The teeth must respond to the demands 
made upon them. Nature is always consis- 
tent; it has things in keeping with its sur- 
roundings, so the teeth, like the face, must 

portray the temperament of the man. 

60 



TEMPERAMENT AS SHOWN BY TEETH 

That teeth do portray the temperament by 
their color, shape, and size, also position in the 
jaw, is evidenced by the incongruity of ex- 
pression sometimes caused by distorted dental 
conditions. 

The various colors and shapes of the teeth 
make it necessary that they be correlated to 
the rest of the body. The tints are as variable 
as the tints of the skin. The pigment or color 
bodies of the animal life are present when life 
begins, and lends equally to all parts requiring 
color; hence in a balanced countenance, 
the affinity of color of the hair, eyes, skin, and 
teeth. 

Not alone for esthetic, but for practical rea- 
sons, do the lines and planes of the teeth cor- 
respond to the general anatomy. The breadth 
of the six front teeth establishes the width of 
the mouth, while the grinding surface must 
correspond to the power applied according as 
the jaw is weak or strong. 

Upon the rear teeth the pressure varies in 
different individuals from 75 to 200 pounds. 

A weak, strong, or a dainty face, a male or 
a female, a young or an old person, a light or 

a ponderous frame, each lays rightful claim to 
61 



TEMPERAMENT AS SHOWN BY TEETH 

teeth befitting their type. Should the tooth of 
the Nervous character, which is long and keen, 
of pearl blue or gray, be placed instead of 
the delicately ovaled cream-yellow tooth of the 
Sanguinary type, the eye would be instinctively 
offended. 

There are four definite colors and four shapes 
in the teeth to represent the temperaments, viz. : 

Sanguineous. Nervous. Bilious. Lymphatic. 

Cream yellow. Pearl blue or gray. Bronze yellow. Opaque muddy. 

Size, medium, Length predomi- Large angular, Breadth predom- 

Ovaled. nating, Thin. Long. nating, Short. 

These are the distinct types, and while more 
often there is a blending of some two into a 
tooth harmonious to the individual — still the 
perfect specimens are frequently seen. 

It is the harmony of the whole face in the 
color, shape, and size of the teeth as they cor- 
respond to the rest of the character that pleases 
us. It matters not whether we understand 
this subject or not, we are instinctively dis- 
pleased by some incongruity in a face where 
there is a disturbance of nature's laws of 
harmony. Indeed, some poorly selected set of 
artificial teeth, or some displaced natural teeth, 
may upset all the harmony in a once beautiful 

or strong face. 

62 



TEMPERAMENT AS SHOWN BY TEETH 

Nature is ever consistent, it never does 
anything by halves; harmony and constancy 
are its watchwords. Do not the wonderful 
color schemes of the plant life bear this out? 
Who has not seen the mackerel sky, with its 
rhythmical layer of clouds terraced one beyond 
the other, and the whole a harmony of steel 
blue and gray? Could you fancy fleecy 
clouds tipped with a golden hue when the 
storm is at its height, or do the rapid moving 
impenetrable black clouds portray the storm? 

We have but to delve in nature a bit to find 
a constancy in all things. The first truth that 
was discovered in chemistry was proven so 
many times that not the slightest variation has 
ever been made to this first law. This was 
Avagadro's law, and stated that a given quan- 
tity of gas at a certain temperature always 
gave the same weight. But note this constancy 
of weight only remains as long as the tempera- 
ture is the same. May we not infer how ready 
is nature to change and adjust all things to be 
in keeping with its surroundings and the 
demands made upon it? 

The law of correlation running through all 
nature attracts and enchants us in the infinite 
63 



TEMPERAMENT AS SHOWN BY TEETH 

diversity of its manifestations. In man this 
law of correspondence is so apparent through- 
out the organism as to establish a harmony 
between the teeth and his physical characteris- 
tics by which we are able to infer their color, 
shape, and size. 

The definition of phrenology is character- 
reading from cranial conformations. This 
implies that character or temperament may be 
read from the skull convolutions. If nature 
shall mark one face that makes you instinc- 
tively think of brute force, and another that of 
tenderness and kindness, can you imagine it 
will get the teeth for one in the head of the 
other? 

The teeth are a part of the face, and the har- 
mony of the whole indicates the temperament 
of the individual. 

These wonderful enameled sentinels of the 
mouth, that grind and shred our food, set firm 
in anger and chatter in fear, that sparkle in 
mirth and articulate our speech, are our sor- 
row or our joy as we care for or neglect them, 
would it not be strange if these human pearls 
were out of all comformity to the needs and 
demands made upon them? 
6 4 



TEMPERAMENT AS SHOWN BY TEETH 

Whatever be our religion, we must glorify 
the source of so wonderful and complex an 
organism, with all parts in such harmony 
that they conform in color, shape, size and 
usefulness to the whole unit, whose integral 
parts live for one another. 



65 



FIRST TEETH — PRENATAL 
INFLUENCE 



If one entering the condition of pregnancy 
would adopt the theme of a subsequent chap- 
ter, that of maintaining the highest degree of 
physical efficiency, then the most has been 
done for the health of parent and child and 
for the good of their teeth. 

The reproduction of its kind by the organism 
is but a natural process; it is but a magnified 
physiological condition where one human cell 
gives birth to another and enough in such 
rhythmical succession to form the tissues of 
another being. 

Until birth the child is a parasite, as it lives 
upon the blood of the parent. It receives its 
sustenance from the maternal blood much in 
the same manner as fish absorb oxygen from 
the water in which they dwell. The mother's 
heart must work harder and the organs of 
elimination do greater duty for the increased 
waste products; in short, it is a demand where 
66 , 



FIRST TEETH — PRENATAL INFLUENCE 

one unit must supply sustenance for the life 
and growth of two. 

Because one finds herself fertile, it is as- 
sumed she is endowed with the life-giving 
properties to become a mother. Though nature 
does not ask her to exercise any will or intel- 
ligence in this interesting phenomena, it prob- 
ably does suggest by warnings of morning 
sickness, etc., the need of a high physical 
efficiency, that the period of gestation may be 
without embarrassment from the lack of 
strength or nutrition. 

While a child is born into the external 
world at the end of the period of gestation, 
still it may be said birth of that life began 
nine months earlier. 

This, but a technical way of expressing it, 
serves to illustrate the constant multiplication 
of the cell life; a first cell dividing into two, 
the two into four, and so on through the period 
till a new life is born. The growth so gradual 
and continuous portrays the thought that 
there must be kept up without intermission a 
physical and mental equilibrium to support the 
constant development of the cell life. 

Is it not probable that the untoward symp- 
67 



FIRST TEETH — PRENATAL INFLUENCE 

toms occasionally met are but nature's warning 
cry of some need; that the perverted or capri- 
cious appetite or some reflex nerve condition 
is but the sign of malnutrition or need of some 
physical action? 

So remarkable is this phenomena, whereby 
nature appropriates from the mother the 
phosphates, lime-salts, etc., and holds them in 
readiness for the growing fetus, that one must 
at least acknowledge the need of the highest 
efficiency to support this period. Of the 
complex compounds found in the human tissue, 
nature has a way of finding them through the 
metabolism (perforce, by way of a balanced 
diet and normal living). 

All this suggests the need of a conservation 
of energy, the eating of nutritious foods, sup- 
plying the demand for more pure air and 
oxygen, and an abstinence from excesses. It 
may be said that excesses and excitement have 
most to do with disturbing the normal metab- 
olism, upsetting a nicely balanced physio- 
logical state. 

Were there such a thing as suspended growth 
of the fetus or child, might it not be argued 
the child would be that much late being born ? 
68 m, * 



FIRST TEETH — PRENATAL INFLUENCE 

This is never so. If growth is continuous with 
the child and during a sudden illness of the 
mother the metabolism was weak, is it not 
pertinent to ask what part of the child was 
being formed at that time? While the cells 
of the vascular or muscular tissue have the 
power to degenerate and be replaced with 
healthy ones, this is not true of the cells of the 
teeth or of the bone. 

The pitted and incorrectly formed enamel 
of the baby teeth so often found is attributable 
to the lack of power to assemble and deposit 
the enamel cells at the time the enamel was 
forming. Rickets is a disease of children 
where the bones contain too little calcium. 
The remedy would seem to be the supply of 
calcium itself, but this is not true, as the bones 
already formed appear to have no further power 
of absorption. True, they have yet to grow 
larger, which seems to permit the correction, 
but the enamel of the teeth once formed has 
no further growth, and any pits occasioned by 
faulty nutrition or suspended animation have 
come to stay. 

That which wastes the strength is to be 
avoided. The diverting of this strength to the 
69 



FIRST TEETH — PRENATAL INFLUENCE 

growing fetus takes from the mother's teeth 
their resistance to decay, and to avoid this 
ravage her teeth must be cared for early in the 
period. Any other treatment to be under- 
taken should begin at the beginning, that the 
expectant mother may be in full health and 
vigor and the offspring of her kind. 

Much may be said, but all points to the one 
thought of aiding nature in a normal process. 
Hygiene suggests the warm bath and fresh 
air, both of which are agents that aid the 
avenues that discharge waste products. The 
early intelligent care of the physician means 
much to the health of both mother and child. 



70 



GROWTH VERSUS DECAY 



Perhaps in no age before this has there been 
such a broadening of the intelligence, the 
search for truth and its application. Govern- 
ments and philanthropists offer prizes for 
knowledge which is daily thrust upon us, point- 
ing to the possibilities of the morrow. In 
each new discovery we note how constant 
are the laws of nature, and from this knowledge 
we are made to understand past failures and 
are better able to direct our efforts to an ulti- 
mate good. 

Foremost in the truth to which this refers 
are the laws that govern the growth of man 
from the crude to the perfect state. This ideal 
state is man sound and strong in body and 
mind, with faculties alert to the laws that make 
for good, and recognizing, but avoiding, those 
that injure. Our efforts to maintain the per- 
fect man are only in proportion to our under- 
standing of the laws that govern him. 

As we cease to develop the mental or physi- 
cal man, we become the prey of a stronger one. 
71 



GROWTH VERSUS DECAY 

In the history of progress we have seen the 
weak succumbing to the strong; animals, 
races, and empires have proven this. 

Were there no perfect state all would be 
chaos; the strife for supremacy — the con- 
quest for life — would cease, and we would 
drift without aim. 

Indeed, the struggle of life is the rearing of 
man to the perfect state, to his ideal and true 
form. 

There is a thought hard to define that is 
expressed in these words, perfect; true form; 
without decay; they define that which is con- 
trary to degeneration. 

Degeneration, and the laws by which we may 
oppose it, represents the strife of the world; it 
is the pitting of growth against decay. 

The success at maintaining a normal con- 
dition is in proportion to the respect shown 
nature's laws. If man neglects to build and 
keep a true and perfect form, degeneration, 
which is ever lurking about, begins, and until 
you have eliminated that error the system is 
being overtaxed. 

Nature marks the time when decay shall 
start: it is as soon as man is out of harmony 
72 



GROWTH VERSUS DECAY 

with, or fails to recognize, the laws that build; 
at that instant decay begins and the cell life of 
the body is being attacked. 

Man's natural enemy is disease; and just as 
he permits it, he is his own enemy. In health 
he is defended against an invading foe, and in 
proportion to his health his defense is strong. 

If man, therefore, shall become alarmed and 
the query arises, "How shall he benefit from a 
knowledge of the lurking danger in evolution, 
or how shall he meet the changing conditions ? " 
we must answer: By a conservation of those 
best energies in man which evidence his growth 
from the crude and primitive to the strong and 
perfect; that evolution synonymous with pro- 
gress and development which shall prompt 
man to exercise his intelligence that he may 
rear the greatest number of individuals in their 
full health and vigor, with all their faculties 
and functions perfect, and in harmony with the 
conditions to which they are subject. 

Then let it be marts aim to fortify himself, 
also to know the danger that lurks in an ignor- 
ance of nature's laws; may he be a fortification 
unto himself, with stalwart teeth as sen- 
tinels guarding his citadel of strength. 

73 



GROWTH VERSUS DECAY 

From the picture of that one who desires the 
betterment of health conditions for himself 
and fellow-men, we turn to the one whose 
surroundings and personal care of himself and 
family are all but a menace to society. 

For this latter class, international congresses, 
state and city societies, meet to consider health- 
producing conditions. City health depart- 
ments, public school inspection bureaus, 
mother's clubs, and many others, are all wedges 
driven to the same end, namely the prevention 
of disease. 

To this end movements are afoot combating 
certain infectious diseases with the result that 
institutes for tuberculosis are springing up in 
the populous centers, receiving state and fed- 
eral aid. 

With the mouth as described (page 52), we 
can understand how the saliva may linger in 
the conditions there until it is absolutely 
virulent. The transmission of disease to 
others is to be avoided and since the saliva 
is so endowed, the first instruction given pa- 
tients at these institutes is to burn the sputum 
to avoid spreading their malady. 

If the mouths of some are seething hotbeds 

74 



GROWTH VERSUS DECAY 

or incubators of infection, the great gaping 
cavities alive with germs of tuberculosis, etc., the 
question would seem, how much would it help 
the general good if a million people so affected, 
who expectorate in public places, had their 
mouths sterile and clean? 

Does it not seem that of the millions of 
teeth decayed beyond repair, and the ulcerated 
roots laden with germs waiting a suitable 
time to invade the system, that these might 
be extracted to the benefit of the individual, 
if not to the public? 

To this end it does not seem too radical to 
say the mistress might investigate the mouth 
of the maid, the parent that of the children, 
and the state that of the elders. 

When the teeth are not a menace to the 
health of the individual or public, when they 
are sterile and clean, then and not until then 
will they be " Human Pearls." 



75 



PERSONAL RELATION OF 
PATIENT AND DENTIST 



The execution by the Dentist of his high 
ideals demand much of him. He must be a 
surgeon, doctor, histologist, chemist, metallur- 
gist, machinist, artist, and sculptor. 

Because he cares for the nervous, hysterical, 
fearful, and despairing one, or the crying, 
impetuous, discouraged, and unbelieving one, 
he must have patience, judgment, fortitude, 
and strength. 

It was hoped these pages might bring the 
patient and dentist into a closer, more intelli- 
gent, sympathetic, and helpful relation and 
by so doing benefit the patient, elevate the pro- 
fession, and assist the operator. 

The average patient of to-day is a barrier to 
the further advancement of Dentistry as a 
science. Without knowledge on a subject he 
cannot enthuse over it, even be interested in it; 
but knowing some of the simple every-day 
truths as contained herein, he will aid and abet 

76 



PATIENT AND DENTIST 



by his sympathy and encouragement those 
higher attainments that have made Dentistry 
a true science. 

The archer does not aim further than the 
arrow will carry , and the dentist can only aim 
in each operation as jar as he is allowed to 
execute. 

Remember, there are gradations in both 
skill and value of materials used, and that in a 
faithful operation time has a value commen- 
surate with the skill, and if these conditions are 
valued too cheaply, or there is exercised too 
extreme economy, the service rendered might 
reasonably be "a tooth for a tooth." 



77 




i| years: In this and subsequent pictures, the external 
surface of the jawbone has been removed to show the roots 
and developing teeth. Note the two baby molars, neither of 
which have their roots completed. The tooth at the left, with 
no roots as yet, is the enamel shell of the first permanent 
molar which is to erupt 4J years later. 



79 




3 1 years: The baby molars have their roots nearly com- 
pleted. Note the beginning of permanent teeth at the roots 
of baby teeth. 



80 




6th year: Note the mouth is full of permanent teeth, soon 
to crowd out their predecessors. The two lower centrals 
have already done so. This picture suggests the need of 
the normal growth and development of the mouth, that the 
teeth may erupt in their proper places. 



81 




6J years: Note the capsule under a baby molar, from 
which a developing tooth has been removed to show its posi- 
tion between the roots of a temporary tooth. In capsule at 
the left, is but the enamel shell of the 12-year molar which 
is to erupt 5 £ years later. 



82 




7th year: Note the developing permanent "eye" teeth 
above and below. They are to occupy the corner of the 
mouth; if no corner develops they must protrude as " tusks." 



83 




nth year: In the lower jaw only one baby tooth remains. 
Note the undeveloped roots on the 12-year molar at the right, 
and the developing enamel of the wisdom tooth behind it. 



84 




13th year: The nearly developed mouth. The roots are 
not quite completed on 2d molar, and the wisdom tooth has 
no roots at all. 



85 




Adult mouth: See the porous bone above and below- 
The nerve canals in the roots are made visible by carving 
away part of the roots. 



86 



MAY 20 1908 



